How To Be A Freelance Writer

As the gig economy continues to grow, one of the most in-demand industries for working remotely would be freelancing, which presents a new challenge for building skills.

It is said that the freelancing market is a growing “diverse ecosystem”, with nearly 54 million skilled employees from various backgrounds.

Furthermore, a research predicts that by 2020, the freelancing market, including freelancers, temporary employees, and contractors would be achieved in a proportion of 40 percent in the American workforce.

If you want to plough into the freelancing market, with schedule flexibility and self-employed, this is without a viable way to make a living through being a freelance writer.

However, in spite of a high demand and comparatively low barrier to entry in the freelancing market, becoming a successful freelance writer and making a good living leans on a lot of preparations. Fortunately, this is the right entrance for you to get into the game.

1. Define a niche and become an expert
   You would want to know your expertise or interest in some fields to become a writer. So, it would be paramount to identify a niche. For instance, if you know that you are interested in the stock market, then to be a finance writer would be a good choice for you.
   Find one or two specific topics in which you have expertise rather than look for a needle in a haystack.
2. Build up your portfolio
   There’re numerous enterprises that provide service of designing your own website online for free, which is a good opportunity to build up your portfolio.
   Apparently, you want to showcase your talent, background, and your niche, which also expresses your inspirations. Once you get done with your piece, put it up to the website, the biggest marketing tool to build your portfolio.
3. Start pitching
   Pitching is an important way to show your insights on your niche. A great pitch story could be the bridge that connects you and your potential clients.
   One pitch should not be very long—about 100 to 150 words—in order to be effective for your clients to reach the idea in limit time. However, what is even more important is to express the idea and thoughts clearly in a limited length.
4. Don’t underestimate social media!
   You would want to build up your self-image after becoming a freelance writer, and the best bet is to promote yourself through social media, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc. By all means, share your pieces on them.

Better still, you can find connections that are directly related to your industry and get involved through social media. Make sure you put your portfolio website on your social media account.

By doing so, you would soon enlarge your audiences, create more chances to be employed, and raise your brand recognition.

By: Grace C. Sui